Letter to the Editor – 7/24/13

Voyagers, indeed

The role of Native Hawaiians in American wars goes back much further than the Civil War (MidWeek cover story, July 3).

The following four Hawaiians served in the U.S. Navy during the War of 1812 against Great Britain: Thomas Hopu, William Kanui, George Kaumuali’i and John Honoli’i. Thomas Hopu was a POW for a time in the war. William Kanui (1796-1864) was the last to pass away and is buried at Kawaiahao Church.

These four Hawaiians went to school with Heneri ‘Opukaha’ia (1787-1818) at Cornwall in Connecticut, and arrived in Hawaii with missionary Hiram Bingham in 1820. My M.A. thesis in Hawaiian studies at the University of Hawaii-Manoa discusses ‘Opukaha’ia and his colleagues.

As a Vietnam veteran myself, it surprised me to learn that there were Hawaiian vets in the War of 1812.

Even more astounding, there was one Hawaiian who served in the Revolutionary War.

Quoting from the thesis, which I submitted for publication in early July:

“Although there are records showing that long before

Obookiah (‘Opukaha’ia) came to America in 1809 other young Hawaiians had been brought here by sea captains, none of them give a complete idea of their names; nor does more than one name the ship and captain who brought them … There is also a report that King Kamehameha had an interpreter who had ‘once dined with (George) Washington in New York … it is reliably reported, however, that by 1810 there were 60 Hawaiians ‘believed to be in America.'”

Wayne Hinano Brumaghim
Mililani

Homeless hope

Thank you for the uplifting story of Mrs. Hawaii Jaci Agustin.

Her rise from a homeless youth ought to be posted wherever homeless folk gather as an example that a better life is possible if you want it.

Helen Ornellas
Honolulu

America first

Great column by Patrick Buchanan, “Vital Interests Vs. American Ideals.” Anyone who wants America involved in the hellhole that Syria has become does not love America.

Greg Wilson
Honolulu

Send your letters to MidWeek Letters, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 500, Honolulu, HI. 96813; by fax to 585-6324, or by e-mail to dchapman@midweek.com.

Please include your name, address and daytime and evening phone numbers. We print only the letters that include this information, but only your name and area of residence will appear in print.

Letters may be edited for clarity and space.